Around the world.

Muslim Leaders Deny Funds From Iran Used In President's Campaign

January 05, 1997|By From Tribune News Services.

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA — Bosnia's ruling Muslim party confirmed Friday that it received $500,000 from Iran, but denied CIA allegations the money went to President Alija Izetbegovic's election campaign.

The money funded scholarships, paying for schooling for 1,265 students, the Party for Democratic Action said in a statement faxed to The Associated Press.

"Any help for this and similar purposes is more than welcome and the party will not reject it," the party's statement said.

The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that the CIA told Congress the money was earmarked for Izetbegovic's 1996 election campaign. The report was confirmed by U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Izetbegovic's party said the money had been collected through voluntary donations in Iran.

The Clinton administration has been attempting to limit links between Bosnia's Muslim-led government and Iran. Washington accuses Tehran of supporting terrorism and has sought to isolate it internationally.

However, the Clinton administration looked the other way when Iran shipped arms to Bosnian Muslims in 1994 in violation of a UN arms embargo.